Obituary of David Kenneth Knapp

David Kenneth Knapp, 64, passed away peacefully at home on July 12, 2015 after a brief, courageous battle with cancer. David was born on September 14, 1950 in El Dorado, Kansas to Janet and Dale Knapp. The family moved to Norman, OK where David attended school, graduating from Norman High School in 1968. Often, people are surprised to learn that he was an gifted trumpet player, winning district and state contests and receiving multiple music scholarship offers for college. He attended the University of Oklahoma, initially on a music scholarship, and graduated in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. David’s career path was established when he began working for Harold’s original menswear store on Campus Corner in Norman where he became manager in his early 20’s. As Harold’s expanded, he worked for the stores in Oklahoma City, and eventually opened the stores in Tulsa, first at the Farm and later in Utica Square. Later, he worked as manager/buyer for the Polo Ralph Lauren Store in Utica Square. In 1997, David married Diane Foor, also of Norman, and became the proud step-father to Diane’s sons, Trey, Clark, and Grant Wheeler. In addition to his wife, Diane, David is survived by the boys and their families: Trey and wife, Lauren (Kula), and daughter, Elaine of Bremerton, WA; Clark and wife, Carolyn (Deuschle) of Cambridge, MA; and Grant of Oklahoma City. He is also survived by two brothers: Richard and his sons, Adam, Eric, and Ryan; and Rob and wife, Susan (Brubaker) and daughters, Lea and Julia. In addition to time spent with family, David was an avid tennis player, enjoyed reading, watching all sports (especially OU sports) and listening to jazz. He was appreciated for his dry wit, kindness, self-effacement and calm demeanor. He also loved animals, great and small. David’s most unique gift was his capacity for lasting friendship. Regardless of when and where you knew him, whether a customer or colleague, employee or employer, tennis partner, classmate, or fraternity brother, he loved to share memories of time spent with friends. Therefore, as per his wishes, a gathering of friends and family to share stories and memories of David is being planned for the Fall in lieu of a formal memorial service. Ninde Brookside Chapel, 918-742-5556, ninde.com